Uniondale, N.Y. - In response to the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) postponement of today’s vote to approve Deepwater Wind’s proposal to provide offshore wind power to the South Fork, the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Renewable Energy Long Island, and the Sierra Club issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement to postpone LIPA’s vote for an offshore wind farm over 30 miles from Montauk is deeply disappointing. Last week, Governor Cuomo issued a statement in support of the project, saying: ‘I strongly encourage the Trustees to once again demonstrate New York's leadership on climate change and help achieve the state's ambitious goal of supplying 50 percent of our electricity from renewable energy by 2030.’ Today, we are calling on Governor Cuomo to follow through on this commitment to support offshore wind and work with LIPA to expeditiously reschedule this historic vote.

“We couldn't agree with the Governor more when he says that this project is ‘another opportunity for this state to lead the nation in creating a stronger, more resilient energy system and protecting the environment for future generations.’ When opportunity knocks, we must open the door. We need Governor Cuomo to ensure this vote happens quickly so that offshore wind power becomes a reality for New York.

“A timely commitment to offshore wind power for the South Fork is not only important in achieving Governor Cuomo’s laudable goal of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, but it’s also critical for ensuring the reliable, cost-effective and clean operation of the electric system on the South Fork. In the absence of this wind farm, LIPA will be forced to add more fossil-fueled power plants that will increase costs for all ratepayers.”